📒 Session Detail

Trial session initialized.

All rise.

Please be seated.

Calling the matter of Stokes versus Stokes.

Counsel, please state your appearances for the record.

Good morning, Your Honor. Alexandria Joi Taylor appearing on behalf of the Plaintiff, Tamiko Stokes.

Mr. Stokes?

Good morning, Your Honor. Damon Stokes, Defendant, appearing Pro Se.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Appearances are noted. Score: 100

Excellent job. You clearly stated your name, your role as Defendant, and that you are appearing Pro Se. This is exactly what the Court expects at this stage. Continue to speak clearly and directly to the Court in each stage. Well done. Score: 100

Counsel for the Plaintiff, are there any preliminary matters before we proceed?

No, Your Honor.

Very well. Mr. Stokes, are there any preliminary matters on your behalf before we proceed with trial?

No, Your Honor

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. We will proceed. Score: 100

Excellent response. You answered the Court's question directly and appropriately. At this stage, a simple and clear answer is exactly what is required. Keep up the professionalism and continue to listen carefully to the Court's questions. Score: 100

Your Honor, may it please the court. This case involves the parenting time of Zaria Stokes, the 14-year-old daughter of the parties. The evidence will show that it is in Zaria's best interest to continue a meaningful relationship with both parents. We ask this court to approve a parenting time schedule that provides stability and consistency for the minor child. The Plaintiff, Tamiko Stokes, has been the primary caregiver and has facilitated a healthy relationship between Zaria and her father. We will show that continuing this arrangement serves the best interests of the child.

Thank you, Counsel. Mr. Stokes, you may now present your opening statement. Please keep your remarks to 5 minutes and focus on what you expect the evidence to show.

Good morning, Your Honor. This case concerns my request for a parenting-time order that serves my child's best interests by providing frequent, meaningful, and consistent contact with both parents. Specifically, I am requesting a parenting-time schedule consisting of three weekends each month, a Wednesday evening dinner visit each week, and an alternating holiday schedule so that my child has the opportunity to spend significant time with both parents throughout the year. During this trial, I will present testimony and documentary evidence demonstrating my consistent involvement in my child's life, my efforts to maintain a healthy and positive parent-child relationship, and my willingness to encourage my child's relationship with the other parent. I will also present communications between the parties, parenting-time records, photographs, school and extracurricular involvement, and any other relevant exhibits that illustrate my active participation in my child's upbringing. In addition, I may call witnesses with personal knowledge of my relationship with my child and my parenting abilities. The evidence will show that the parenting-time schedule I am requesting is practical, promotes stability and continuity, and is in my child's best interests. At the conclusion of the evidence, I will respectfully ask the Court to enter an order adopting this parenting-time schedule and any other relief the Court finds appropriate based upon the evidence presented. Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your opening statement clearly outlines the parenting time arrangement you are seeking and what you expect the evidence to show regarding the best interests of your child. We will now proceed with the Plaintiff's proofs. Score: 95

Excellent job! You clearly stated the specific parenting time arrangement you are seeking and explained how your evidence will support that this schedule is in your child's best interests. You also mentioned the types of evidence and witnesses you plan to present, which is exactly what the Court wants to hear in an opening statement. For future reference, you might briefly mention your child's needs or well-being to further emphasize the best interests standard, but overall, this was a strong and professional opening. Keep up the clear, organized approach as the trial continues. Score: 95

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. The court has heard opening statements from both parties. The Plaintiff may now call their first witness.

Your Honor, the Plaintiff calls Tamiko Stokes to the stand.

Ms. Stokes, please come forward and be sworn.

The Plaintiff rests, Your Honor.

Thank you, Counsel. Mr. Stokes, you may now cross-examine the witness.

No questions your honor

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. We will proceed to the next stage. Score: 80

You responded appropriately by indicating you have no questions for the witness. This is a valid and professional response if you feel cross-examination is unnecessary or would not benefit your case. For future reference, consider whether there are any points you could clarify or challenge in the Plaintiff's testimony, as cross-examination is an opportunity to address any inconsistencies or highlight facts favorable to your position. Overall, you handled this stage correctly and respectfully. Score: 80

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. The Plaintiff rests. You may now present your case. Please call your first witness.

Please describe your relationship with Zaria and your involvement in her life.

Zaria and I share an awesome bond and as she has matured and developed, our relationship has continued to grow. We often have conversations that delve into what she wants to do futuristically and i tr y to support her where I can. From the time she was a toddler until even just last week with a book about chess, we often read together or will read seperately and come back and have discussions about. She wanted to play the piano (hopefully inspired by me) and we purchased two pianos and after showing her a few things, she really took off at a torrid pace and learned beetoven and bach on her own. This also goes for guitar as well and two guitars were purchase in pursuit of her wanting to learn to play. I have tired to be a consistent steady force in every area of her life , driving her to all her doctors appointments (maybe with the exception of 1 or 2), dentist appointments (with the exception 1 ), physical therapy appointments, specialty appointments, hospital stays, er visits, cheer practice, cheer competition, tennis and whatever else she has been in need of.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your response provides a thorough and detailed description of your relationship with Zaria and your involvement in her life. You have given specific examples of shared activities, support for her interests, and your role in her care. We will proceed. Score: 92

Excellent job! You gave a detailed and heartfelt answer, providing specific examples of your involvement in Zaria's life, such as reading together, supporting her musical interests, and consistently attending to her medical and extracurricular needs. This level of detail helps the Court understand the depth of your relationship and your commitment as a parent. For future responses, continue to provide concrete examples and, if possible, briefly mention how these actions benefit your child's well-being and development. Keep up the clear, genuine, and organized testimony. Score: 92

What has been your recent parenting time arrangement and how has it worked?

I am currently living with my family so I get to see Zaria anytime I want and that is terrific

Mr. Stokes, please provide more detail. The Court needs to know the specific parenting time arrangement you have had recently—such as how often you see Zaria, the days and times, and whether the arrangement has been working well for both you and your child. Score: 25

Your answer is positive, but it is too vague for the Court's needs. You need to describe the actual schedule or pattern of parenting time—how often you see Zaria, on which days, for how long, and whether there have been any issues or successes with this arrangement. Be specific and factual. For example, you might say, 'For the past six months, I have had Zaria every other weekend from Friday evening to Sunday night, and we also have dinner together every Wednesday.' This helps the Court understand the current situation and how it is working for your child. Try to include both the frequency and quality of your time together in your next answer. Score: 25

I love with Zaria so i see her every single day from about 10am to 10pm

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have provided more information, but I need additional detail. Please clarify whether this arrangement is court-ordered or informal, how long this schedule has been in place, and whether it has been working well for both you and Zaria. Also, please explain if there have been any challenges or changes to this arrangement. Score: 40

You improved your answer by specifying that you see Zaria every day from about 10am to 10pm, which gives the Court a clearer picture of your current parenting time. However, your response is still missing important details: Is this arrangement formal or informal? How long has it been in place? Has it been working well for both you and Zaria? Have there been any issues or changes? For next time, try to answer all parts of the Court's question and provide context, such as whether this schedule is by agreement or court order, and how it affects your child's well-being. This will help the Court make a fully informed decision. Score: 40

there is no court order enforced as of yet, so I live with zaria. She lives with me. This has been working well

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have clarified that there is no court order and that you and Zaria currently live together, and that the arrangement has been working well. However, I still need more detail: How long has this living arrangement been in place? Have there been any challenges or changes to this arrangement? Please provide this additional information. Score: 55

You made progress by clarifying that the arrangement is informal and that you and Zaria live together, and you stated that it has been working well. However, your answer is still missing key details the Court specifically asked for: how long this arrangement has been in place, and whether there have been any challenges or changes. For future responses, make sure to answer every part of the Court's question. For example, you could say, 'We have been living together for the past year, and there have not been any major challenges. The arrangement has provided stability for Zaria.' Being thorough and specific helps the Court understand your situation and supports your case. Score: 55

i have lived with Zaria from the time she was born until now. There is no court order as of yet, so the living arrangement is as a normal family; together. There have been no challanges and this has been working well

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your answer now provides the necessary detail regarding the duration of your living arrangement with Zaria, the absence of a court order, and that there have been no challenges. The Court will proceed. Score: 85

Excellent improvement! You clearly stated how long the arrangement has been in place, clarified that it is informal, and addressed whether there have been any challenges. This thorough and direct response gives the Court the information it needs. For future testimony, continue to answer all parts of the Court's questions and provide specific timeframes or examples when possible. Keep up the clear and organized approach. Score: 85

How do you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria?

Tamiko and I communicate with Zaria via text or email when needed.

Mr. Stokes, please answer the question more fully. The Court needs to know how you and Tamiko communicate with each other about Zaria—not just how you communicate with Zaria herself. Please describe the methods, frequency, and effectiveness of your communication with Tamiko regarding parenting matters. Score: 25

Your answer does not address the Court's question. The Judge asked how you and Tamiko communicate with each other about Zaria, not how you both communicate with Zaria. For next time, explain the ways you and Tamiko discuss parenting issues—such as text, email, phone calls, or in person—how often you communicate, and whether it is effective or if there are any challenges. Be specific and focus on co-parenting communication. Score: 25

Tamiko and i communicate about Zaria via text messages and sometimes email. It has worked somewhat good

Tamiko and i communicate about Zaria via text messages and sometimes email. It has worked somewhat good

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have clarified that you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria via text messages and sometimes email, and that it has worked somewhat well. However, I need more detail. Please describe how often you communicate, what types of parenting matters you discuss, and whether there have been any specific challenges or successes in your communication. This information will help the Court better understand the effectiveness of your co-parenting communication. Score: 45

You improved your answer by specifying that you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria via text and email, and you gave a general sense of how well it works. However, your response is still incomplete. The Court needs to know how frequently you communicate, what kinds of topics you discuss (such as school, health, activities, discipline), and whether there have been any particular challenges or successes in your communication. For next time, try to give examples and be specific about both the frequency and the effectiveness of your co-parenting communication. This will help the Court understand how you and Tamiko work together as parents. Score: 45

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have identified the methods of communication, but I need more detail. Please describe how often you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria, what types of issues you discuss, and whether there have been any challenges or successes in your communication. Score: 40

You improved your answer by stating that you and Tamiko communicate about Zaria via text messages and sometimes email, and that it has worked 'somewhat good.' However, your response is still incomplete. The Court needs to know how often you communicate (for example, daily, weekly, or only as needed), what kinds of parenting topics you discuss (such as school, health, activities, or discipline), and whether your communication is generally effective or if there have been any specific challenges or successes. For future answers, try to address each part of the Judge's question with specific examples or details. This will help the Court understand your co-parenting relationship and decision-making. Score: 40

Tamiko and i live together so we are not living in separate households, We communicate once per week about Zaria. It works ok.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have clarified that you and Tamiko live together and communicate about Zaria approximately once per week, and that the communication works 'ok.' However, I still need more detail. Please describe what types of parenting matters you discuss during these communications, and whether there have been any specific challenges or successes in your communication. Providing examples will help the Court better understand the effectiveness of your co-parenting communication. Score: 55

You made progress by clarifying that you and Tamiko live together, communicate about Zaria once per week, and that the communication is generally okay. However, your answer is still incomplete. The Judge specifically asked for details about the types of issues you discuss (such as school, health, activities, or discipline) and whether there have been any particular challenges or successes in your communication. For next time, try to give examples of topics you discuss and mention if there have been any disagreements, improvements, or particularly effective moments in your communication. This level of detail will help the Court understand how you and Tamiko work together as co-parents. Score: 55

Tamiko and i live together so we are not living in separate households, We communicate once per week about Zaria. It works ok. We discuss her cheer schedule and school schedule and doctor appointment schedule and anything else that comes up.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your response now provides the necessary detail regarding the frequency and topics of your communication with Tamiko about Zaria. The Court will proceed. Score: 85

Great job! You clearly stated that you and Tamiko live together, communicate about Zaria once per week, and described the types of topics you discuss, such as her cheer schedule, school schedule, and doctor appointments. This level of detail gives the Court a clear understanding of your co-parenting communication. For future responses, you could further strengthen your answer by mentioning any specific successes or challenges you've experienced in your communication, but overall, this is a thorough and effective response. Keep up the organized and specific approach. Score: 85

Are there any specific incidents that you believe are important for the court to know?

No, Your honor

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your answer is clear and direct. The Court will proceed. Score: 95

Excellent response. You answered the Judge's question directly and appropriately. When asked if there are any specific incidents the Court should know about, a simple and honest 'No, Your Honor' is exactly what is expected if there are no such incidents. For future reference, always listen carefully to the question and respond truthfully and succinctly. Keep up the professional and respectful approach. Score: 95

Explain why your proposed parenting schedule is in Zaria's best interest.

Your Honor, Here is the comprehensive proposed schedule. ● Legal Custody: The parties shall share joint legal custody of the minor child, Zarayah. The parents shall share decision-making authority as to important decisions affecting the welfare of the minor child, including medical, educational, and religious matters. ● Physical Custody: The parties shall share joint physical custody of the minor child, Zarayah. ● Weekly/Weekend Parenting Time Schedule: The parenting time schedule shall be strictly structured to ensure continuity and stability for the minor child, formatted precisely as follows: ○ Plaintiff's Residence: Monday afternoon to Friday afternoon, and Weekend #4 of the month. ○ Defendant's Residence: Friday evening at 6:00 PM to Monday morning, and Weekends #1, #2, #3, and #5 of the month. ● School Transportation: ○ Monday: Minor child shall be taken to school and picked up from school by the Defendant. ○ Tuesday through Friday: Minor child shall be taken to school and picked up from school by the Plaintiff. ● ● ● Mid-Week Parenting Time: The Defendant shall have a 1.5-hour mid-week dinner/parenting time session (not to exceed two hours) on Wednesdays where there is no game and as mutually agreed, provided such time does not interfere with schoolwork or the child's reasonable schedule. Custody Exchanges: All parenting time exchanges shall occur directly home-to-home. There shall be no public custody exchanges. Holiday and School Schedule Priority: Holiday parenting time shall completely supersede the regular weekly parenting-time schedule. These terms represent the agreement of the parties as also set forth in the Property Settlement Agreement filed as Defendant’s Exhibit 3. By mutual agreement, the parties may alter these times to accommodate special family events; however, in the absence of a written agreement, the following times and dates shall strictly control: ○ ○ Parent Birthdays: If a parent's birthday falls on a school day, that parent shall have parenting time from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, provided it does not substantially interfere with schoolwork or scheduled activities. Joint Child's Birthday Celebration: Every year on the minor child's actual birthday, regardless of whose regular custody night the birthday falls upon, the parties agree to participate in a joint birthday dinner celebration together with the minor child. ■ ■ Scheduling & Selection: The parents shall mutually agree on the restaurant and a two-hour dinner window at least seven (7) days prior to the birthday. If the parties cannot agree, the parent with regular custody that evening shall select the location. Financial Responsibility: The cost of the joint birthday dinner shall be divided equally (50/50) between the parties, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Page 2 of 6 ■ Exclusivity: To maintain focus solely on the minor child, this dinner celebration is strictly reserved for the child and the two immediate parents, unless both parties mutually agree in advance to invite extended family members or third parties. ○ Annual Holidays: ■ ■ Defendant (Dad) Shall Have Every Year: Father’s Day, Dad's Birthday (subject to the school-day rule above), and New Year’s Eve. Plaintiff (Mom) Shall Have Every Year: Mother’s Day, Mom's Birthday, and Labor Day. ○ Even-Numbered Year Rotation (2026): ■ Defendant (Dad): Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas Day. ■ Plaintiff (Mom): New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. ○ Odd-Numbered Year Rotation: ■ Defendant (Dad): New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. ■ Plaintiff (Mom): Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Christmas Day. ○ School Year Breaks: All major school breaks—including Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Mid-Winter Break, and Spring Break—shall follow the regular weekly parenting schedule residency lines. ○ Holiday General Guidance & Benchmarks: Both parties explicitly agree to maintain mutual flexibility regarding holiday times. For general guidance and scheduling benchmarks, baseline holiday hours of observance shall be defined as follows: ■ Easter: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ■ Memorial Day: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM ■ Fourth of July: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ■ Thanksgiving: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ■ Christmas Eve: 6:00 PM to 10:00 AM the following day (Christmas Morning) ■ Christmas Day: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ■ New Year's Eve: 6:00 PM to 10:00 AM the following day (New Year's Morning) ■ New Year's Day: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Mr. Stokes, you have provided a detailed proposed parenting schedule, but you have not explained why this schedule is in Zaria's best interest. Please explain how your proposed arrangement benefits Zaria specifically, considering her needs, well-being, and the best interest factors the Court must consider. Score: 40

You provided a thorough and organized outline of your proposed parenting schedule, which is excellent for clarity and detail. However, you did not answer the Judge's question about WHY this schedule is in Zaria's best interest. Next time, explain how your proposal supports Zaria's emotional, educational, and developmental needs, and why it provides stability, continuity, or other benefits for her. For example, you could mention how frequent contact with both parents supports her well-being, or how the schedule fits her school and activity needs. Always connect your proposal back to your child's best interests. Score: 40

This schedule is in Zaria best interest because she does not go more than two days without seeing either parent. It allows her to be at home with her mother during the school week and with me on the weekends , still allowing her to see both parents every two days

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have begun to explain why your proposed schedule is in Zaria's best interest by highlighting frequent contact with both parents and stability during the school week. However, I need you to provide more detail. Please explain how this arrangement supports Zaria's emotional, educational, and developmental needs, and address any specific benefits or considerations relevant to her well-being. Score: 55

You made a good start by pointing out that your schedule allows Zaria to see both parents frequently and provides stability during the school week. However, your answer is still incomplete. To strengthen your response, explain how this arrangement supports Zaria's emotional health, educational progress, and overall development. For example, mention how regular contact with both parents helps her feel secure, how the schedule fits her school and extracurricular activities, and how it encourages a positive relationship with both parents. The more you connect your proposal to Zaria's specific needs and well-being, the stronger your case will be. Keep building on your answers with concrete examples and details. Score: 55

This supports Zaria emotional and educational needs by keeping her with her caregiver during the week while still allowing for her development needs in the arts and other areas to be fullfilled by me on the weeks. This schedule gives zaria the best of both worlds

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. You have explained that your proposed schedule supports Zaria's emotional and educational needs by providing stability during the school week and opportunities for development in the arts and other areas on weekends. However, I need you to provide more specific detail. Please explain how this arrangement addresses Zaria's particular needs, such as her relationships, extracurricular activities, and overall well-being. If possible, provide examples of how this schedule has benefited her or would benefit her in the future. Score: 65

You improved your answer by connecting your proposed schedule to Zaria's emotional and educational needs, and by mentioning that you support her development in the arts. This shows the Court you are thinking about her well-being. To make your answer complete, add more specific examples: How does being with her mother during the week help her with school? How do your weekend activities support her growth? Are there any particular successes or positive changes you've seen in Zaria because of this arrangement? The more detail you provide about how the schedule benefits her daily life, the stronger your case will be. Keep building on your answers and always tie your proposal back to Zaria's best interests. Score: 65

Your Honor, my proposed schedule allows Zaria to stay with her mother during the school week, which gives her a stable environment for her homework and bedtime routine. For example, Zaria has been doing well in her reading class this year, and her teacher noted that her consistent schedule helps her stay focused. On weekends, Zaria spends time with me, and I take her to her art class and soccer games, which she enjoys and where she’s made close friends. This routine supports her academic progress, keeps her connected to both parents, and lets her pursue activities she loves. I believe this schedule is in Zaria’s best interest because it gives her both stability and meaningful time with each of us, which helps her feel secure and supported.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your response provides specific and relevant detail about how your proposed parenting schedule supports Zaria's emotional, educational, and developmental needs. You have explained how the arrangement offers stability during the school week, supports her academic progress, and allows her to pursue extracurricular activities and maintain strong relationships with both parents. The Court will proceed. Score: 95

Excellent work! You clearly explained how your proposed schedule benefits Zaria's well-being, using specific examples about her school performance, routines, and extracurricular activities. You tied your proposal directly to her needs and the best interest standard, which is exactly what the Court is looking for. For future responses, continue to use concrete examples and connect your answers to your child's unique needs. This approach makes your case stronger and more persuasive. Keep up the clear, thoughtful, and organized testimony. Score: 95

Do you have any exhibits or documents to present?

no your honor, not at this time

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your answer is clear and direct. The Court will proceed. Score: 100

Excellent response. You answered the Judge's question directly and appropriately. If you do not have any exhibits or documents to present, a simple and honest 'No, Your Honor, not at this time' is exactly what is expected. For future reference, always listen carefully to the question and respond truthfully and succinctly. Keep up the professional and respectful approach. Score: 100

Is there anything else you'd like to add to your testimony?

no your honor, not at this time

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Your answer is clear and direct. The Court will proceed. Score: 100

Excellent response. You answered the Judge's question directly and appropriately. If you do not have anything further to add, a simple and honest 'No, Your Honor, not at this time' is exactly what is expected. For future reference, always listen carefully to the question and respond truthfully and succinctly. Keep up the professional and respectful approach. Score: 100

Your Honor, the Defendant rests.

Thank you, Mr. Stokes. Does the Plaintiff wish to offer any rebuttal?